Introduction

“ Alexandre Sylvestre, one of many Atelier participants, was strong both vocally and histrionically as the Duke [of Verona].”

The Gazette – Arthur Kaptainis  Translation

Biography

A native of Québec, Alexandre Sylvestre studied at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal where he successfully obtained the “Premier Prix avec Grande Distinction.”  In the 2010-2011 season, he will be heard for L’Opéra de Montréal as Monterone in RIGOLETTO and Colline in LA BOHEME, and as Schaunard in Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of the Puccini masterpiece.  Prior to the opening of the 2009-2010 season, he was featured with the Montreal Symphony, conducted by Kent Nagano followed by an appearance at the Lanaudiere Festival under Yannick Nezet Seguin. During the 2009-2010 season he appeared as Betto in GIANNI SCHICCHI at L’Opéra de Montréal and was also be heard with the Montreal company as Sacristan in TOSCA and Pietro in SIMON BOCCANEGRA.

Other highlights include Jack Wallace in LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST, Nourabad in LES PECHEURS DE PERLES, Duke of Verona in ROMÉO ET JULIETTE and Prince Yamadori in MADAMA BUTTERFLY for Opéra de Montréal, featured roles in DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE both for Pacific Opera Victoria and in London, Ontario and appearances with Les Violons du Roy in Charpentier’s MESSE DE MINUIT and Haydn’s STABAT MATER. He also took part in the premiere of a work based on the writings of Jacques Cartier as part of Quebec City’s 400^th anniversary celebrations. Mr. Sylvestre sang the roles of Figaro in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Opera Centre in Sulmona, Italy and Pausania (une education manqué) with the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute.

An Alumnus of Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, Mr. Sylvestre made his official debut with Opéra de Montréal in 2005 in the roles of Zalzal and the Chief of Police in L’ÉTOILE by Chabrier and was later invited to appear in the Opéra de Montréal’s Gala in December 2006.  His roles at the Conservatoire in Montréal were Count Almaviva in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, Paquiro in LES GOYESCAS and the title role in GIANNI SCHICCHI.  With the Conservatoire Orchestra he was heard in Verdi’s REQUIEM, Bach’s MAGNIFICAT, and Handel’s MESSIAH.

He has been awarded bursaries from ARAM, the Wilfrid-Pelletier Foundation, Jeunesses Musicales of Canada and, in February of 2006, was a winner at the Ottawa New Discoveries Auditions.  In November of the same year, he tied for Second Prize in the vocal category of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Competition. 

August 2010

Full Repertoire

Opera

Concert

Engaged By

Choeur Polymnie
Choeur St-Laurent
Ensemble Amati
Montreal Contemporary Music Ensemble
Orchestre symphonique de Longueil
Opéra de Montréal
L’Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal
Orchestre Vocal Art Institute
Orford Arts Festival
Ottawa Choral Society
Pacific Opera Victoria
Sinfonia de Lanaudière
Sinfonia de Montréal
Les Violons du Roy

Reviews

""Alexandre Sylvestre, another bass-baritone, nailed the role of the Sacristan, combining the kind of rich sound and comic timing we equate with a great house on a good day.  Why did he not get the bravos he deserved?"

The Gazette - Arthur Kaptainis

“ Alexandre Sylvestre, one of many Atelier participants, was strong both vocally and histrionically as the Duke [of Verona].”

“…la courte apparition d’ Alexandre Sylvestre est significative…” 

“…the short appearance of Alexandre Sylvestre is significant…” 

“Voix chaude, voix qui vient du coeur, voix bien timbre…authentique comique.”

“Warm voice, a voice which comes from the heart with a good tone…genuinely funny.”

“Il dominera d’ailleurs, par sa stature, sa voix et son aisance, la distribution de Gianni Schicchi, de Puccini.”

“He dominated, furthermore, by his stature, his voice and his ease, the role of Gianni Schicchi by Puccini.”

“Parmi le members de l’Atelier lyrique, retenons Alexandre Sylvestre et la surprise cause dans ‘O du mein holder Abendstern’ in Wagner’s Tannhäuser.”

“Among the members of the Atelier lyrique, let us recall Alexandre Sylvestre and the surprise caused in ‘O du mein holder Abendstern’ in Wagner’s Tannhäuser.”

“ Alexandre Sylvestre, l’une de nos nouvelles voix les plus solides.”

La Presse – Claude Gingras